.California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Information Re: Utility Relief & Energy Saving Tips During COVID-19.
Dear Duarte Community;
An important message from the Callifornia Public Utilities Comission (CPUC) Regarding Utility Relief & Energy Saving Tips During COVID-19......
Utility Relief
The CPUC is seeking to accelerate use programs to reduce energy bills and will issue proposals to change how residential bills are calculated to reduce energy bills throughout the remainder of the COVID-19 crisis.
1) The California Climate Credit will be used to Reduce April Energy Bills: The credit is usually provided on customer bills twice a year. The first for 2020 will be applied to April bills to help offset higher bills due to increased usage and will vary from $20 to $60 depending on the utility.
Under the proposal, residential customers would still receive the first credit in April but would now receive the second credit in two installments – in May and June.
2) Ensuring Full Access to the CARE Rate Discount Program: The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program provides a 20 to 35 percent discount on utility bills. Many people who have recently lost their job due to COVID-19 will be eligible for the program. Customers just have to call their utility and ask to be enrolled.
Information on participating in the program, including monthly income limits, can be found on the CPUC’s website at www.cpuc.ca.gov/General.aspx?
3) Moratorium on Utility Disconnections
4) Suspended renewal requirements for the low-income programs CARE and the Family Electric Rate Assistance programs.
Simple, Cost Saving Energy Behaviors During COVID-19
● On cooler days, set thermostats to 68 or lower during the day/62 or lower when asleep
● Unplug unused devices and/or turn off power strips
● Open blinds/curtains on sunny days, to avoid using too many lights
● Wait to use dishwasher until it’s full
● Turn down screen brightness and use eco-mode features on work from home & entertainment devices
CPUC webpage you can visit to get information about utility and CPUC activity: COVID-19
Address/Location
City of Duarte
1600 Huntington Dr
Duarte, CA 91030
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 626-357-7931
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